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10 Best Merrick Dog Foods
10 Best Merrick Dog FoodsPet suppliesRecombu Product FeaturesMerrick Vs Purina: Unveiling The Superior Choice For Your Beloved Pet
In the realm of pet nutrition, Merrick and Purina stand out as two prominent brands, each promising unparalleled quality and nourishment for our furry companions. But when it comes to making an informed decision, it's crucial to delve deeper into the specifics, comparing their offerings side-by-side to determine which one truly reigns supreme.
Ingredients and Sourcing
Merrick: Proudly boasts the use of real, whole foods as the foundational ingredients in their pet food formulas. Their meats come from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones, ensuring a pristine and wholesome source of protein. Furthermore, they include an array of fruits, vegetables, and ancient grains, providing a rich tapestry of essential nutrients.
Purina: While Purina also emphasizes the use of real meat, their formulations often include lower-quality ingredients such as meat by-products and corn gluten meal. These components may not offer the same nutritional value as their whole-food counterparts, potentially compromising the overall healthiness of the diet.
Nutritional Value
Merrick: Merrick's pet foods consistently rank highly in independent nutritional assessments. Their products typically contain higher levels of protein and fat, providing ample energy and support for growing and active animals. They also boast a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, ensuring a comprehensive nutritional profile.
Purina: Purina's nutritional content varies across their product lines. Some formulations offer a respectable balance of nutrients, while others may fall short of optimal levels, particularly for specific age groups or health conditions.
Ethical Considerations
Merrick: Merrick prioritizes transparency and ethical practices throughout their supply chain. They actively work with certified farmers and suppliers who adhere to stringent animal welfare and environmental standards. The company is committed to responsible sourcing, ensuring the well-being of animals and minimizing their environmental footprint.
Purina: Purina's ethical stance has been subject to scrutiny in recent years. The company has faced criticism for its use of genetically modified ingredients, as well as its involvement in animal testing.
Brand Reputation
Merrick: Merrick has consistently garnered high ratings from consumer reviews and independent organizations. They are known for their commitment to quality and transparency, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable brand among pet owners.
Purina: Purina is a well-established brand with a long history. However, its reputation has been impacted by concerns over ingredient quality and ethical practices, potentially affecting its standing with some pet owners.
Price Point
Merrick: Merrick's products generally fall into the premium price range. While their superior quality and ethical practices may justify the higher cost, budget-conscious pet owners may prefer more affordable options.
Purina: Purina offers a wider range of price points, catering to both value-focused and premium-minded consumers. Their lower-priced products may appeal to those seeking a more economical choice, while their higher-end formulations offer comparable nutritional value to Merrick.
Comparison Tables
Table 1: Ingredient Quality
Feature Merrick Purina Real, whole foods Yes Yes (sometimes includes by-products and corn gluten meal) Animal protein sources Raised without antibiotics or hormones May include lower-quality protein sources Fruits, vegetables, and ancient grains Yes May be lacking in some formulationsTable 2: Nutritional Value
Nutrient Merrick Purina Protein Higher levels Varies across product lines Fat Higher levels Varies across product lines Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants Comprehensive profile May fall short in some formulationsTable 3: Ethical Considerations
Feature Merrick Purina Certified farmers and suppliers Yes Not as transparent Animal welfare High standards Potential concerns Environmental sustainability Emphasized Limited information availableEffective Strategies for Choosing the Best Food for Your Pet
Prioritize Ingredients: Look for pet foods that list real, whole foods as the primary ingredients. Avoid formulations that rely heavily on by-products or low-quality fillers.
Consider Nutritional Needs: Assess your pet's age, activity level, and any specific health conditions to determine their nutritional requirements.
Compare Label Information: Scrutinize pet food labels to compare ingredient quality, nutritional content, and ethical considerations.
Read Reviews and Consult Experts: Gather information from trusted sources, such as consumer reviews, veterinary professionals, and independent testing organizations.
Consider Your Budget: Set a realistic budget for pet food, balancing cost with quality.
Tips and Tricks for Feeding Your Pet
Gradual Transition: When switching to a new pet food, introduce it gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Monitor Portions: Follow the recommended feeding guidelines on the pet food packaging to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Store Food Properly: Store pet food in a cool, dry place to preserve its freshness and nutritional value.
Consult a Veterinarian: Seek professional advice from a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet's diet or overall health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Feeding Only Kibble: While kibble is a convenient option, it may not provide all the nutrients your pet needs. Consider supplementing with fresh foods, wet food, or cooked treats.
Overfeeding: Obesity is a common issue among pets. Avoid overfeeding by accurately measuring portions and limiting treats.
Choosing Food Based Solely on Price: While cost is a factor, it should not be the sole determinant when selecting pet food. Prioritize quality and nutritional value over budget.
Ignoring Your Pet's Individual Needs: Every pet is unique, with varying nutritional requirements. Consider your pet's age, health, and activity level when choosing a diet.
Making Sudden Diet Changes: Abruptly switching pet food can cause digestive problems. Always transition gradually to a new diet.
Why It Matters: The Benefits of Choosing the Right Pet Food
The choice of pet food you make has a profound impact on your beloved companion's overall health and well-being. A high-quality diet:
Promotes Optimal Growth and Development: Provides essential nutrients for healthy bones, muscles, and organs, especially during the critical growth stages of puppies and kittens.
Supports a Strong Immune System: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and other immune-boosting ingredients helps protect your pet from illness and disease.
Maintains a Healthy Weight: Appropriate levels of protein, fat, and fiber help prevent obesity and its associated health risks.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat: Essential fatty acids and other nutrients contribute to a shiny, healthy coat and supple skin.
Provides Energy and Vitality: High-quality pet food provides the calories and nutrients necessary for an active and energetic lifestyle.
Conclusion
The decision between Merrick and Purina ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you seek a pet food that emphasizes real, whole ingredients, superior nutritional value, and ethical practices, Merrick stands out as a clear choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more budget-friendly option or prefer a wider range of price points, Purina may be a suitable alternative.
Regardless of your choice, it's imperative to prioritize your pet's nutritional needs and well-being by conducting thorough research, reading labels carefully, and consulting with a veterinarian for professional guidance. By choosing wisely, you can provide your beloved companion with the best possible nourishment, paving the way for a long and healthy life filled with love, joy, and unwavering loyalty.
The Best Dog Food Of 2024, Reviewed With Nutrition Advice From Vets
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Determining what is the best dog food for your puppy, adult, or senior pup takes a good bit of research. There are many nutritious dry and wet foods from top brands, including recipes for dogs with sensitive stomachs and those who need to lose weight.
For this guide, we asked veterinarians and animal nutrition experts what to prioritize when shopping for dog food. Then we researched hundreds of recipes to compile this list of healthy dog food, including affordable canned food and kibble and fresh pet food. Our recommendations are based on each food's nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. One of our top picks, Wellness Complete Health Lamb and Barley Recipe, is a dry food for adult dogs. It has a healthy balance of protein, fat, and fiber, plus beneficial ingredients like omega fatty acids from fish oil for brain and joint health.
All of our picks meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means they have the right balance of fat, protein, and fiber for a dog's life stage. They also align with the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews researches and tests pet products.
Highlights for the best dog foodBest dry: Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb and Barley Recipe - See at Chewy
Best wet: Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley Entree - See at Chewy
Best fresh: Just Food for Dogs - See at Chewy
Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice - See at Chewy
Best dry for puppies: Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal, and Salmon Meal - See at Chewy
Best wet for puppies: Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Chicken and Vegetable - See at Chewy
Best dry for seniors: Merrick Senior Real Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy
Best wet for seniors: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken and Barley - See at Chewy
Best for small breeds: Nulo Frontrunner Small Breed Turkey, Whitefish, and Quinoa - See at Chewy
Best for large breeds: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Deboned Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy
Best grain-free: Merrick Real Duck and Sweet Potato - See at Chewy
Best limited ingredient: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Duck and Oatmeal - See at Chewy
Best low fat: Nutro Ultra Weight Management with Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon - See at Chewy
Best high fiber: Nutro Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy
Best dry foodThe best dry dog food is convenient, practical, and affordable. Prices are lower because you're not paying for the water that's in higher moisture wet foods, says Dr. Megan Shepherd, a veterinary nutritionist and adjunct professor of nutrition at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Calorie and nutrient content in kibble varies, but the AAFCO minimum for protein is 18% for adult dogs. Pet dogs are omnivorous and don't need super high levels of protein, so look for a moderate amount of protein. Protein quality and digestibility are most important, says Kelly Swanson, director of the nutritional sciences division at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Animal Sciences.
The best dry foods contain ingredients that meet the AAFCO's nutrient requirements for complete and balanced food. These ingredients include whole meats and fish, meat meals, rice and beans for protein, and fiber from grains, vegetables, and fruit. Swanson also recommends fat concentrations under 20%. However, if your dog is a healthy weight and doesn't have pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease, don't worry too much about fat content.
Our recommendations for the best dog food have all the essential nutritional qualities plus healthy extras. Our pick from Nature's Logic has also undergone feeding trials, which are tests to ensure a food is palatable, digestible, and able to sustain pets over time. The picks below also have health-boosting ingredients, like omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels, which may provide joint support.
Editor's note: Shepherd is now a scientific communications nutritionist for pet food company Royal Canin. She spoke with us in October 2021 before she began working for Royal Canin, so we do not view her contributions to this article as a conflict of interest.
Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb and Barley RecipeLamb and lamb meal are the main protein sources, and carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground barley, and ground brown rice. Healthy extras like menhaden fish meal provide omega fatty acids, while glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. This food is appropriate for moderately active, normal-weight dogs with 24% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber. Each cup contains 417 kcal.
Merrick Real Beef and Brown Rice RecipeBeef and pork meal lead the ingredients list, and there are a variety of carbohydrates, including brown rice, barley, oatmeal, quinoa, carrots, and apples. Health extras include omega fatty acids (salmon), glucosamine, and chondroitin. With 26% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5% fiber, this is a good option for moderately active, normal-weight dogs. Each cup contains 386 kcal.
Nature's Logic Canine Chicken Meal FeastAt the top of the list are chicken meal, chicken fat, millet, and eggs. Carbohydrates include pumpkin seeds, kelp, almonds, carrots, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. There are healthy extras like probiotics and digestive enzymes. We recommend this food for active, normal-weight dogs with a breakdown of 36% protein, 15% fat, and 5% fiber. This food has undergone feeding trials and each cup contains 418 kcal.
Best budget dry foodThere's a relationship between price and quality when it comes to the best dog food. Ultra-cheap foods often contain lower-quality ingredients to bulk them up and keep their prices down.
"But it's important to remember that there are many more affordable dog foods that are perfectly good options," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary. You don't need to break the bank to feed your dog a healthy diet.
We've found plenty of high-quality foods available at lower prices. As long as a food meets the AAFCO complete and balanced standards like our picks and makes sense for your dog's life stage, you're good to go.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef and Brown Rice Recipe With Veggie and Fruit BlendBeef and chicken meal are the first two protein sources in this dry dog food. Other standout ingredients include brown rice, pea protein, and brewers rice. Menhaden fish oil provides omega fatty acids. With 26% protein, 14% fat, and 4% fiber, we recommend this food for moderately active, normal-weight dogs. One cup contains 352 kcal.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice RecipeThe main protein sources in this recipe are deboned chicken and chicken meal. Standout carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cranberries. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and glucosamine. We recommend it for moderately active, normal-weight dogs, with 24% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber. One cup is 378 kcal.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Barley RecipeChicken and chicken meal lead the list of ingredients. Other ingredients include pearled barley, peas, oat groats, brown rice, and dried beet pulp. It also contains fish oil for omega fatty acids. Its nutrition breakdown of 24% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber is ideal for normal, active-weight dogs. One cup contains 370 kcal.
Best wet foodSome dogs prefer the taste or texture of wet food, Richardson says. These foods may also be easier to digest because they may be less processed and contain fewer preservatives. Just avoid wet food containing only meat since an all-meat diet won't provide your dog with complete and balanced nutrition. Instead, you can use a small amount of all-meat food as a delicious meal topper for kibble or stuff it in some of the best dog toys like the Kong Classic.
The same nutritional standards apply to dry and wet dog food, but comparing their labels isn't easy because wet food has more water content. To compare them, you need a wet food's protein, fat, and fiber on a "dry matter basis," a measurement of nutrients without water included. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University explains how to calculate that. You can also call the brand or ask your veterinarian for help. We contacted brands to obtain the dry matter basis for our picks.
Wet food often has more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates. Before you switch your pet from dry food to any of our recommendations, talk to your vet about potential issues your dog may have digesting a lot of protein or fat.
Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Shredded Chicken RecipeThis wet food has protein sources of chicken, chicken and turkey broth, and chicken liver. Brown rice, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin round out the list. It contains 48% protein, 28% fat, 1.5% fiber, and 320 kcal per 12.5-ounce carton, which is about 25.6 calories per ounce.
Wellness Lamb and Beef Stew with Brown Rice and ApplesAt the front of the ingredients list are lamb broth, lamb, beef, and beef liver as protein sources. Carbohydrates include brown rice, apples, carrots, and spinach. This food consists of 41% protein, 26% fat, and 1% fiber. A 12.5-ounce can contains 359 kcal, or about 29 calories per ounce.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley EntreeBeef and pork liver are the main protein sources in this wet food for adult dogs ages 1 to 6 years. Carbohydrates include whole grain corn, cracked pearled barley, and prebiotic dried beet pulp. The food contains 23.7% protein, 19.3% fat, and 1.3% fiber, with 406 kcal per 13-ounce can.
Best fresh foodPet guardians have shown increased interest in fresh food, Richardson says. That may be partly due to marketing promoting the benefits of feeding dogs a fresh diet. It's often true that these foods are minimally processed and contain whole, gently cooked ingredients. They also tend to be preservative-free, so follow the storage instructions carefully.
Because these foods are fancier, they are more expensive, but you get convenience too. Brands typically offer subscription services and deliver frozen fresh, customized meals to your doorstep.
Richardson says nutrition standards are the same as for other dog food. The food should have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement and the ingredients should be the same ones found in other types of dog food: meat sources of protein, whole grains, fruits, and marine sources of fats. It's a big bonus if there are healthy extras like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Our recommendations come from brands with strong quality control. We've tested our picks and vouch for their quality. You can read more about them in our guide to the best fresh dog food.
Nom Nom Fresh Dog FoodNom Nom ships easy-to-serve preoportioned fresh meals and offers an excellent two-week trial.
The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog FoodThe Farmer's Dog is a well-established fresh dog food company offering four grain-free recipes in portions customized for your pet.
Best for sensitive stomachsNot every dog has a cast-iron gut. Dogs with allergies may experience digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. If you suspect your dog has an allergy or sensitivity, a trip to the vet should always be your first stop. But foods specially formulated for sensitive stomachs may be worth a try.
Sensitive stomach foods are usually low in fat and contain easy-to-digest carbohydrates, like white rice or whole wheat, says Dr. Korinn Saker, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. They may also contain more processed protein sources, like chicken meal. "You want ingredients that are in a processed form so that the cells in the GI tract don't have to do as much in terms of digestion," Saker says. Ingredients like chicken meal are already processed, so it may be easier for your dog to absorb the nutrients.
Our recommendations for the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs include meat and fish meals, rice, prebiotics, and probiotics, which may support gut health.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice FormulaThe first few ingredients in this food are highly digestible ingredients like salmon, rice, barley, canola meal, and oatmeal. Sunflower oil and fish oil provide omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, while added probiotics help support immune and digestive health. This food contains 26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber, with 449 kcal/cup.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Chicken and Barley RecipeChicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, and cracked pearl barley are the top ingredients in this food, which is designed for easy digestion. Other standout ingredients include brown rice, brewers rice, and dried beet pulp, a prebiotic fiber that may help soothe your dog's stomach. The food contains 25% protein, 16.8% fat, and 1.4% fiber, with 394 kcal per cup.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care FormulaProtein sources in this wet food for sensitive stomachs include chicken, whitefish, and chicken liver. You'll also find fiber sources like prebiotic beet pulp, oatmeal, brown rice, and barley. The food contains 46.4% protein, 20% fat, 2% fiber, and 373 kcal per 12.5-ounce can, or about 30 calories per ounce.
Best dry food for puppiesIf you're wondering whether your puppy needs special food, the answer is yes. Puppies need more calories, more fat, and a different vitamin and mineral balance to support healthy growth.
Typically, puppy food is for dogs under a year old. There aren't any AAFCO nutrient standards specifically for small and large breed puppies, but some of the best puppy foods are formulated for breed size. Shepherd says larger breeds need a unique ratio of calcium to phosphorus for their growing big bones and can benefit from supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep their joints healthy. On the flip side, foods for smaller breeds often have smaller kibble for smaller mouths. They may also be slightly higher in calories since smaller breeds can have higher metabolisms.
If you want to ensure a food is appropriate for puppies, check the label for an AAFCO complete-and-balanced statement that says it's intended for growth for all life stages. Some foods might also state that they're for younger dogs. Do not feed a puppy food that says "maintenance" on the label since that's for adult dogs.
We've recommended three different puppy foods, one for small breeds, one for large breeds, and one for any size puppy. Our Purina pick has undergone feeding trials.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Oatmeal RecipeDeboned chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this food for puppies. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, barley, peas, brown rice, carrots, and sweet potato. Healthy additions include probiotics and omega fatty acids from fish meal and fish oil. The food contains 29% protein, 17% fat, 5% fiber, and 415 kcal per cup.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken and Rice FormulaChicken is the main protein source in this food for large breed puppies. Standout carbohydrates include rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and whole grain wheat. Healthy extras consist of omega fatty acids from fish oil plus glucosamine. The food contains 30% protein, 18% fat, 4.75% fiber, and 430 kcal per cup.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal, and Salmon Meal RecipeDeboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the main proteins in this food. The list of carbohydrates includes oatmeal, barley, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, apples, and flaxseed. It also contains probiotics and omega fatty acids from salmon meal and salmon oil. The nutritional breakdown is 29% protein, 18% fat, 4.5% fiber, and 450 kcal per cup.
Best wet food for puppiesWet food provides various benefits for puppies. "Wet food can help puppies transition from a liquid diet (the dam's milk) to solid food," Shepherd says. She adds that this transition should begin before a puppy is fully weaned and helps them accept solid food and learn how to drink water.
Canned food is also easy for puppies to eat. Without strong adult teeth, they can struggle to munch on dry kibble. It's also packed with flavor, which can entice picky or hesitant eaters. However, if your puppy has a poor appetite, Shepherd recommends consulting your vet to make sure they don't have an underlying condition.
While wet puppy food has its benefits, it's not a necessity. The decision to feed wet food depends on an individual puppy's needs and an owner's preferences and budget. It tends to cost more than kibble and needs to be refrigerated and used within a few days to prevent spoiling.
When reading a label for wet puppy food, look for the AAFCO statement that says the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for growth or all life stages. The foods we chose include plenty of vitamins, minerals, and other healthy ingredients to support brain development and immune health.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy RecipeChicken and salmon are the main protein sources in this food. Salmon provides omega fatty acids for proper brain development. Other healthy ingredients include sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas. The nutritional breakdown is 39% protein, 27% fat, 2% fiber, and 434 kcal per 12.5-ounce can, or about 35 calories per ounce.
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Puppy Chicken and Vegetable RecipeChicken is the main protein source in this puppy food. Standout carbohydrates include carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and barley. This food also contains healthy extras like fish oil for omega fatty acids. It consists of 38.8% protein, 30% fat, and 2.6% fiber, with 422 kcal per 12.5-ounce can, or about 34 calories per ounce.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken and Barley EntreeThis puppy food has chicken as its main protein source. Whole grain corn, cracked pearled barley, and soybean meal provide carbohydrates. Other healthy ingredients include fish oil for omega fatty acids. It consists of 28% protein, 21.6% fat, and 1.7% fiber, with 482 kcal per 13-ounce can, or about 37 calories per ounce.
Best dry food for seniorsYou might consider a senior dog food around age 6 or 7 for a large breed and around 10 or 11 for a small breed. Shepherd says the right food depends on the specific dog and how they're doing. If they're maintaining a healthy weight and muscle tone, their stool is well-formed, and they're enjoying their food, you may not even need to change their diet.
That said, some foods are tailored to the needs of older dogs with specific health issues. "Senior diets are formulated to target some of the common ailments of older pets, such as joint health, digestive health, immune health, and possibly others," Swanson says.
Both dry and wet foods are available for senior dogs. Whether to feed wet or dry food depends on factors like your dog's health needs and preferences and your budget. Shepherd says that dry foods are appropriate for most senior dogs. While they could be problematic for dogs with dental disease, there are options with small-sized kibble for easy chewing. Another solution is to soften the kibble with a tasty low- or no-sodium broth.
Our kibble picks for the best senior dog food are packed with protein and have nutritional boosters, such as omega fatty acids and antioxidants, that can support an older dog's changing needs. Purina also conducted feeding trials on its Pro Plan formula.
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken and Rice FormulaChicken and poultry byproduct meals are the main protein sources in this food that's undergone feeding trials. It includes rice, corn, wheat, barley, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine. With 29% protein, 14% fat, 3% fiber, and 423 kcal per cup, we recommend it for active normal-weight dogs.
Merrick Senior Real Chicken and Brown Rice RecipeThis food counts chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as its main protein sources. Carbohydrates include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, quinoa, apples, and carrots. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin are healthy extras. We recommend it for moderately active normal-weight dogs. It contains 27% protein, 15% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 381 kcal per cup.
Nutro Senior Dog 7+ Years Lamb and Brown Rice RecipeThis senior dog food's main protein source is deboned lamb. Standout carbohydrates consist of rice bran, whole grain barley, and whole grain brown rice. Healthy extras like omega fatty acids from fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal round out the list. With 27% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber and 307 kcal per cup, we recommend it for moderately active, normal-weight dogs.
Best wet food for seniorsWet foods offer a tasty option for senior dogs and have several benefits. Dogs with advanced dental disease will have an easier time chewing and swallowing wet food than kibble. Wet food's strong flavor and aroma can also stimulate appetite in older dogs that may feel lousy from a chronic illness, such as chronic kidney disease.
The food's high moisture content is good for dogs with urinary stones. "If a senior dog has recurring urinary stones, maximizing water intake by soaking kibble or replacing kibble with wet food may be ideal," Shepherd says. The extra water will encourage urination and help reduce the risk of stone formation.
Shepherd says it's important to consider calorie count. Your dog would need to eat more wet food to get the appropriate amount of calories and nutrients since it has fewer calories than a cup of kibble. Canned foods also tend to be higher in fat, and some senior dogs can't tolerate a high-fat diet.
You may see various age designations on senior wet food labels, such as "mature adult," "adult 7+," or "senior." As long as the food meets the AAFCO standards for maintenance (minimum 18% protein and 5.5% fat), it's nutritionally appropriate.
Our picks for the best dog food for seniors also contain additional nutrients to help older pups maintain good overall health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken and Barley EntreeThis food lists chicken as its main protein source with pork liver as an additional animal-based protein. Barley, whole grain corn, and corn gluten meal provide carbohydrates. Other ingredients include vitamins C and E, which have antioxidant properties and support immune health, and various minerals to support heart and kidney function. It contains 22% protein, 15% fat, 2% fiber, and can contain 375 kcal per 13-ounce can or about 29 calories per ounce.
Wellness Complete Health Age Advantage Recipe Adult 7+This food contains protein sources of chicken broth, chicken, and whitefish. Carbohydrate sources include barley, bran, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C, zinc, and cobalt round out the ingredients list. A 12.5-ounce can contains 36% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, and 379 kcal, or about 30 calories per ounce.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken DinnerThis food contains chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver as its protein sources. Brown rice and barley provide whole grain sources of carbohydrates. Other healthy ingredients include blueberries and cranberries. A 12.5 oz. Can contains 40% protein, 28% fat, 1% fiber and 396 kcal, or about 32 calories per ounce. Given this food's relatively high fat content, it may not be appropriate for senior dogs that cannot tolerate a high-fat diet.
Best for small breedsSmall dogs are tiny but mighty, with a higher metabolism that quickly burns through the calories they consume. Because of this, they need a calorie-dense food that supplies more calories per pound of body weight than what a large dog would need.
However, eating a calorie-dense food does not mean small dogs can overindulge. Not only can their small stomachs not accommodate a lot of food, but overfeeding can lead to obesity. "Foods for small dogs are also often higher in protein than foods for larger dogs," Swanson says. This extra protein packs more nutrients into smaller servings. Small dogs have smaller mouths and weaker jaws than large dogs, so kibble for small-breed dogs is also smaller.
Our picks for the best dog food for small dogs are specially formulated for small breed dogs and contain healthy extras like omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Adult Mini Lamb RecipeLamb leads the ingredients for this food, along with healthy carbohydrates consisting of whole spelt and whole oats. Extras include herring and herring oil for omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. With 28% protein, 18% fat, and 2.9% fiber, this food is ideal for high-energy small breed dogs. Each cup contains 462 kcal.
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Deboned Turkey and Oatmeal RecipeDeboned chicken and chicken and salmon meal are the main protein sources. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground brown rice, and barley. Healthy extras like flaxseed and salmon oil provide omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. With 28% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 408 kcal per cup, we recommend this food for moderately active small breed dogs.
Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Small Breed Turkey, Whitefish, and Quinoa RecipeDeboned turkey and turkey and salmon meal are the top ingredients in this food, plus standout carbohydrates, including chickpeas, sweet potato, and yellow peas. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and probiotics. With 27% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber, this food is ideal for small active dogs with high energy. Each cup contains 432 kcal.
Best for large breedsLarge-breed dogs have unique dietary needs to ensure their overall health and well-being. For example, skeletal disease is common in large-breed dogs. "To protect against skeletal disease and control weight, foods for large breed dogs are less energy-dense and have a tightly controlled ratio of calcium to phosphorus," Swanson says.
These foods often include healthy extras such as chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids that support joint health, similar to the best joint supplements for dogs. Swanson says they may also contain prebiotics to reduce stool odor. As with smaller breeds, be careful not to overfeed. Obesity can exacerbate a larger dog's skeletal disease by putting extra pressure on their already painful joints.
Some deep-chested large breeds are also prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach expands and twists when they swallow excess gas. To reduce the risk of bloat, large-breed dog foods are made with large-size kibble to encourage dogs to chew more, slow down while eating, and swallow less gas.
Our picks are specially formulated for large breeds and contain ingredients to support joint health.
Wellness Complete Health Adult Large Breed Deboned Chicken and Brown Rice RecipeDeboned chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this large breed dog food. Standout carbohydrates include ground brown rice, barley, peas, and oats. Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and probiotics are healthy extras. With 26% protein, 12% fat, 5% fiber, and 340 kcal per cup, this food is ideal for moderately active large breed dogs.
Merrick Large Breed Real Chicken and Brown Rice RecipeThis food features deboned chicken and chicken meal as its main protein sources, along with carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa. Healthy extras include salmon oil and glucosamine and chondroitin. With 25% protein, 14% fat, and 3.5% fiber, this food is ideal for
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